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Wednesday, May 28

In doing some research for a site I run, I came across an article about Casino's in PA. They were talking about loosening controls, cutting costs by reducing the amount of police, and allowing liquor sales well past 2AM in the morning.

Along with keeping people drunk longer, they wanted more freedom to allow greater cash advances, cash 3rd party checks easier and allow more access for people to get money they can't afford to spend, while under the influence of alcohol, almost 24/7.

They were doing this, citing declines in profitability due to competing states Casino's which had easier laws. Apparently thinking nothing of the people and their health and well being.

Our States are KILLING us!

In the US - collectively, well over 80,000 people a year die from alcohol related illnesses. That number grows substantially when you add in motor vehicle deaths. The fiscal tool is well over 224 Billion dollars in the US annually.

In my state, the sale of alcohol has slowly crept from 9-5 M-F to now it is later at night, and seven days a week ... over the years, slowly growing to 250% MORE hours per week that you can buy booze. Why? Because it is argued that neighboring states have longer hours, and 'we' are losing revenue from people going there ... they argue the same thing... and just enacted laws allowing booze sales early Sunday mornings... to prep for those "sporting" events apparently.

New Hampshire has State Run liquor stores - that actively tout lowest costs and entice people from neighboring states do drive hundreds of miles to 'stock up' with 'the cheapest booze in the country'. They also have close to the highest per capita consumption of alcohol, and close to the highest amount of alcoholism in their state.

Alcohol is big money - HUGE money in terms of state revenue. Most states bundle the three most addictive legal items - alcohol, tobacco and gambling and "Package" them up and put them on every street corner for easiest access to those who can least afford them. People who suffer the most from poverty, and feel the need to self medicate, are given easy access to the tools to do so ... and the states reap the benefits of it.

It is a tangled mess, with money at the root of it all. So don't expect and positive change any time soon. Just be aware, stay educated, stay healthy and stay alive.